Where to Go in the Wachau Valley

@afar
 on 2022.02.03
5 Places
@afar
The Wachau is a picturesque valley along the Danube between Krems and Melk, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its agricultural and architectural landscape. While it makes an easy day trip from Vienna, some will want to spend a little more time in the Wachau valley, enjoying not only charming towns like Krems and the famous abbey at Melk, but also cycling through the vineyards and sampling some of Austria's best wines. Credit: Collected by Zac Steger, AFAR Local Expert

Melk Abbey

Abbey · Melk

"Melk's Baroque Abbey Towering high above the banks of the Danube in the Wachau Valley, the bright yellow Melk Abbey is one of Austria 's most beautiful Baroque buildings. It's been rebuilt several times since its 11th-century origins, with its present form dating to the early 18th century. Inside, the library is one of the most impressive features with roughly 100,000 volumes and a ceiling fresco by Paul Troger. There's a beautiful church and several important paintings to be found, but the real treasure is the two Melk Crucifixes, one said to contain a piece of Christ's cross."

Photo courtesy of Österreich Werbung, Photographer: Trumler

Grafenegg Cottages

Castle · Krems an der Donau Land

"Tour Grafenegg Castle and Gardens Though the foundations go back hundreds of years prior, Grafenegg Castle as we know it today was constructed in the 19th century and is a fine example of historicism. The interior is open April through October. It's particularly known for music events throughout the year and a Christmas market."

Photo courtesy of Österreich Werbung, Fotograf: Volker Preusser

"Cycling along the Donau The Wachau stretch of the Donauradweg, or Danube Cycling Path, is arguably one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe. From the river to the vineyards, to castles and market towns, the route offers a unique way to see this UNESCO Cultural Landscape."

Photo courtesy of Österreich Werbung, Fotograf: Mooslechner

Wachau

Ravine · Krems an der Donau Land

"The Wachau Wine Region The Wachau UNESCO World Heritage landscape is also one of Austria’s most important wine regions. Along this part of the Danube terraced vineyards produce fruity Rieslings and Grüne Veltliners, two of Austria 's most popular white wines. Autumn is the perfect time to visit when the Hueriger wine taverns open up to serve fresh wines from the most recent harvest. Be sure to visit Nikolaihof winery in Mautern, said to be the oldest in Austria."

Photo courtesy of Niederösterreich-Werbung/schwarz-koenig.at

Langenlois

Krems an der Donau Land

"Explore the Kamptal Wine Route in Lower Austria The Kamptal, or Kamp Valley, is one of eight wine regions in Lower Austria , which with around 27,000 hectares of vineyards grows more wine grapes than any other province. The town of Langenlois produces the most wine here, with an assortment heuriger wine taverns and wine specialty shops as well as internationally known producers. There's even a wine resort and spa called the LOISIUM, which has proven to be a popular getaway for wine lovers."

Photo courtesy of Österreich-Werbung / Himsl